Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

jody, missouri — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:41:00 GMT

life is never that simple. I respect other countries and their ways, not all their ways are good, but not all thier ways are bad. We all have to respect God first and then respect each other. Then and only then will we be a world of peace. Romance is fine, but you can not have it 24 hours a day. Love you can have 24 hours a day seven days a week and 12 months a year and 356 days a year, but it takes work and understanding and respect for each other.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Grant, Dallas — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:52:26 GMT

Isn't it strange that when people see a happy, liberal relationship on TV, they want to have that kind of freedom for themselves? You know, this bascily proves what I have felt for years.

The very best way to improve the world is by exporting ideas, especially the culture of liberal freedom found here in America. Not shutting down trade borders or sancitioning a country, but by showing the people an alternative way to live and allowing them to demand change themselves.

Now Turkey has finally done what America should have done years ago, and given the Arab world a story that shows the kind of freedoms usually unacceptable in Mideast society but is firmly rooted in that society. Good for them.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Hubert Harrison, Minneola, FL — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:10:03 GMT

Looks like this soap opera might be more effective than President Bush's bombs in making changes. If the women band together, good luck to all the men.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

J. Maguire — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:16:35 GMT

ridiculous, what they are looking at is not "islamic turkey" but some sort of secularized, westernized jarbled mess. No surprise the media is at the forefront of subversive and perverse ideas. As always.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Saul Martinez — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:29:41 GMT

This soap opera is starting to inspire women in Saudi Arabia and the arab world but how long will it take for women to get equal rights in Saudi Arabia? Saudi women face severe discrimination in many aspects of their lives, including education, employment, and the justice system and are clearly regarded as inferior to men. Saudi women are treated like crap and I hope this soap opera will change things for the better. I hope this show encourges Saudi women to stand up for their rights.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Sparky, Miller, Manchester, CT — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:33:13 GMT

I think "Noor" will have a positive impact on the young girls. It will show them(and probably already does) that they can be their own person and don't have to be dependant on someone else to have a "life".

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Proud American, Chicago, Illinois — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:34:14 GMT

As a Palestinian-American, I have to admit that I too notice differences in how most (not all) men treat their wives depending on where they were born. The Arab culture, which was advanced light years by Islamic practices towards women regressed in a colossus way over the past 300 years or so as society brought back the pagan Arab man and dressed him up as a symbol of what an Islamic husband should act like. Nothing could be further from the truth. The irony as I see it is that it's in the West, and not the campuses of Al Azhar University or Mecca that Arab/Muslim men are re-discovering the treasure that is the Muslim woman (and how to treat her). Helping around the house, baby-sitting while my wife takes night classes, and even changing my children’s' diapers flabbergast my father-in-law much less anyone else. Yet he sees his daughter's happiness (I hope), academic and professional success and our children’s' beaming smiles and laments the 'generation that lost Palestine' as he puts it. We should keep the trend going and Islam should be the guiding light. The West has nothing to fear and much to gain.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Noor, Houston, TX — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:36:23 GMT

If you look for someone who fits Mohannad's profile you will stay single your whole life. What's is more important, flowers or love, protection, and family?

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Christina, Chicago, IL — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:48:29 GMT

Although this program is produced in Turkey, I doubt it reflects married life there. I am married to a Turkish man and there are no flowers or romance. Too bad it doesn't play there any more. I would make my husband watch it on his Turkish satellite tv. Maybe he could learn something too!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Laura Tingley — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:55:01 GMT

Even if it's a corny soap opera, it's nice to see something opening up the eyes of middle eastern women. As long as they are under the iron fist of men in the name of religion, they are not free.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Erin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:00:31 GMT

I majored in anthropology as an undergrad and was amused to realize that one of the things nearly every human society has in common is soap operas. Everybody loves them!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Gayle — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:22:36 GMT

Listen up Saudi women. I think the key here is Saudis have several wives and Noor is an only wife. When you are one of many you lose some serious clout.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Jennifer, Chicago IL — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:29:28 GMT

I don't typically comment on articles, but this one really grabbed my attention. Soap Opera or not, I think it's wonderful that Arab women are being shown a different side to what life could and should be. In the States, Soaps are made fun of and disaparaged and no one ever watches them (when, in fact, we all do), but that's also because it is an exaggerated way of life most of us, as women, already know and understand. So to us, it's silly. I'm glad that Saudi women are inspired by the main characters and, as a result, want more from not only their husbands, but themselves. I hope the show continues, despite religious clerics opposition.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Burke , Broadalbin , N.Y. — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:50:18 GMT

This show may be the best thing that could ever happen to the West. Finally, this may be the thing to take Muslims out of the 10th century.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Anonymous — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:58:35 GMT

Turks are not Arabs.

Perhaps a better title would be: "Soap Opera Upends Traditional Muslim Gender Roles."

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

JJ — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:04:17 GMT

"Hegazy also wants to emulate Noor who is a both a good wife and mother, and a self-reliant professional. "When she has troubles with Mohannad, she wants to him to leave her alone. She wants to work and doesn't want anything from him. This means any woman who falls out with her husband can work and depend on herself." "

Oh God, Allah or whoever, please let this catch on with the muslim herd. This idea has at least made the christian herd more tolerable...

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Muslim American, Cincinnati, OH — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:30:29 GMT

I do not appreciate the generalizations about Arab relationships in this article. There are plenty of Arabs I know who live in the Middle East and have very loving relationships. As a matter of fact, I recently visited and was touched by the kindness the men in my family showed to their wives.

True, there are those without that loving relationship but who are we kidding? Aren't soap operas the same thing to American women that this article tries to point to Noor as being for Arab women? This is an old story; the article tries to point to poor misteated Arab women with their mean husbands. The same could be said for any group anywhere. There are good and there are bad in any group.

Looking forward to the days when these generalizations about the Middle East are no longer popular...(I know, I shouldn't hold my breath)

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Fatima--Orange County, CA — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:36:39 GMT

My inlaws are from Jordan and I have seen thsi show here in the states. Granted, I have NO IDEA what they are saying, but, there isn't a whole lot of dialogue. It seems really sappy. But, arab men do rule the house...It will be interesting to see if the next generation changes

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Felix Figueroa, Orlando, Florida — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:45:39 GMT

about time. the true backbone of a country are there women!we as a country should send them help. make more soap opera, instead of bombs and bullet's

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:46:17 GMT

It is too bad that there isn't some promotion of protecting their children and keeping them from becoming bombers that kill civilians.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Tara, SLC, UT — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:52:49 GMT

I'm glad that the series is giving Saudi women an idea of what a relationship could be. No one deserves to be treated poorly and taken for granted. Still, I wonder whether the show is merely setting these women up for another kind of disappointment.

"I want a romantic [man] who treats me like how Mohannad treats his wife. Every day he brings her flowers and tells her romantic words," said Hegazy.

Unfortunately, that is an unrealistic standard for many men, even in western societies where male sensitivity is encouraged.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Pat Robertson, Portsmouth, Virgina — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:54:20 GMT

This is blasphemy, so sayeth the lord, viz. 1 Timothy 2:12
"I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent."

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Mark Alan, Mesa AZ — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:06:16 GMT

YESSS!!!! at last, the Arabic equivalent for Ozzie and Harriet, I love Lucy, Leave it to Beaver --we can use the same tools of soaps and implied decadence to change their world! Now, if we could go from the 50's to 2008

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

R Arafat — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:46:10 GMT

I just got back from Ramllah & yes!!! everything in this article is on target...nice reporting Charlene!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Suzy — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:53:17 GMT

What a wonderful idea to use T.V. as a means to show and teach respect for one another. If the roll model for Arab women is an arranged marriage with a husband who is allowed to beat her and ignor her feelings, I can't think of anything better that this to show them a different kind of life. Just wait till they have a show with an Arab husband and wife spending time with a marraige counselor. Talking about feelings together and sharing new ideas on family living in the real world.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Nadia king — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:17:14 GMT

Here is a chance to see how TV program in a form of a story can have good influence on society. I remember few myself, growing up in 60's in a Eastern European country. I bet our daily soaps from over here would not pass in that society. I wish they didn't pass here either, they have become filled with trash. But cheers to those women over there, they need to stand up and show the men that they're not almighty, and need to shape up or else!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

coolmom9, Anchorage, AK — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:53:54 GMT

That's it!!! The way to defeat radical Islam: Muslim soap operas! Who'd a thunk it?

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

InJM, Japan — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:19:26 GMT

Media vs Religion? That's certain not something that goes on in America. Wait, yes it does. I think it would be interesting if this show got shown in America or other countries outside of the middle east.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

R. V. Edwards, Glendale, AZ, USA — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:20:13 GMT

I am glad that Turkey is supplying the "role" models for the Saudi women. They do need to break out of the shell that they have been cast in. The U.S. cannot supply that. "Sex in The City" (sp) certainly cannot.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Jim (New Jersey) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:52:00 GMT

This article talks about traditional Arab gender roles, but "Noor" is a Turkish show and Turks are not Arabs.
They are Turks.
On a related note, a lot of Americans think that Iranians are Arabs, but they are not. Iranians are of Persian ethnicity.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Haneen, kalamazoo, MI — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:13:29 GMT

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the best example of how Muslim men should be to their wives. If the women are really going this crazy over a character that is really sad. Where are you Muslim men?!? You need to be more like Prophet Muhammad so that there is happiness in marriages!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Ms.Cruz, Indianapolis, IN — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:53:20 GMT

That's a pretty far fetched ascertion to claim that these women are so deprived of loving male/female relationships that they are attracted to the show like a moth to a flame. Does that mean American women aspire to be like the women on Desperate Housewives? C'mon people... This article is another shining example of how Western thought believes that there way of living is supreme. Most women want more romance and intimacy in their marriages. Your assumptiosn in this article are short-sighted at best.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

cali boy, san diego, ca — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:08:25 GMT

that's half the reason the arabs hate us, we export our culture in such a way that it "pollutes" their culture with our values. if we left them alone, they'd have a lot less interest in retaliating

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Kristin, Athens, Ga — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:19:27 GMT

Who would have thought that a soap could do more to change the Arab world than war and occupation? LOL Good for them!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Dar, Los Angeles, California — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:22:45 GMT

No offence, but how silly!

For decades, since the late-50's actually, there have been countless Arab tv and movie dramas and comedies that have shown working and professional women.

Also this attempt to transfer Western sentiments and reactions onto Arab men and women is ridiculous as well as bigotted. Every society has its own way of seeing the world, not everyone behaves like afternoon sopa opera-watching American women, and , beer-guzzling wife-negletting American men.

This is a non-issue and a waste of internet space.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Mrs. Atwi-- Highlands Ranch, CO — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:17:31 GMT

As an American woman married to an Arab man (Libyan) I am amazed by this! Long time coming... Now if only all men treated the Arab women they marry this rommantically! Luckily mine was raised in the US. So I have the strength of an Arab man who understands the functionality of romance in a marriage!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

John Pollard — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:02:10 GMT

If this show is of benefit to any individual and helps any individual to be happier as a result of the show - then I applaud the show. I wish the producers much success.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Robert, Biscayne Park, Florida — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:29:36 GMT

This may be the way to implement change in a region that desparately needs changed. There is nothing wrong with a healthy, loving, family with independant characters. It is a shame that many hide behind God's cloak and attack anything worthwhile -- blaming others for their own shortcomings.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

dsfadfdff,gfhgdx,tyhgf — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:31:37 GMT

Article needed more info on how Arab men are currently treating their women.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Yasmin,Windsor. Ontario. — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:52:06 GMT

Get a life people, are you all saying Arab women do not have romantic life, beside cooking and cleaning. By the way everything you see in that little scene is not all true, please have some sense of yourselves and get back to business. Educate your selves and do not listen what the outsideworld tells you...will I'm woman myself,

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Tom Welch, Marble Falls, AR — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:22:20 GMT

Wow! Mohanned and Noor's effect on Arab sociey reminds me of how we in the U.S. and Western Europe were affected in the early days of movies and television. I can see a parallel in Rudolph Valentino's influence on how women started idealizing men and even how shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show empowered women. I think social historians needs to watch this new phenomenon CLOSELY.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

nancie c — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:03:23 GMT

Approaching women in their own cultures and emulating portrayals alike their own lives is the way to set them free. We keep harping on western freedom and equality to no avail. They can relate to this soapy. That is great.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Bruce Williams — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:04:59 GMT

I was struck by the part about the kids and the packages of potato chips. People who preach repression and hatred can never win against a revolution that is carried by kids on potato chip bags!

This may be the most important story to come out of the Middle East of the day,week,month,year. If the women on the east and west banks are watching the same show and identify with it, the foundations of a real peace are being laid. "The ties that bind us are stronger than that which holds us apart."

If there is something people want, capitalism by it's nature tries to deliver it. It can be "whiter whites", "less underarm odour" or "a better life", if there is a market, capitalism delivers.

And it doesn't cost the taxpayers a penny...

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Candra Dante — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:05:18 GMT

wonderful. Good, moral, positive. Why not. Everyone should be nicer, kinder and more giving. Good for Turkey!@

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

shell Mack — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:31:05 GMT

Article needed more info on how Arab men are currently treating their women. I am deplored by the media's lack of objective research. Why have a college degree in journalism or communication if you are not free to report and research the entire story.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Raconteur, Chicago, IL — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:41:00 GMT

The power of STORY!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Michael Allison — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:54:05 GMT

What awesome power! The popular media is a truly potent catalyst for change, isn't it?

Can you imagine making a television show that fails miserably at home but somehow becomes not only successful abroad, but influencial in a way that sparks change in the very core of a society? What could be more cherished and important to Arab society than their traditions of marriage and what is expected from a husband and a wife?

No question about it... if you want to influence people, there is nothing more powerful than a soap opera or a sitcom! "Noor" might be changing Arab society in ways that legions of western politicians and generals can only dream of.

It seems that one crappy soap opera might be more potent than a million tons of military hardware and all the grand strategy our leaders could ever dream up.

It's all so obvious now... all Washington needs to do is fund some second rate soap operas and stop bombing the hell out of people. Then, maybe the world would be a nicer place all the way around.

For what it's worth, media-inspired change is often positive, as in this example, but not always. Gangster rap stands out as a glaring example of one the more negative influnces media has had. I'm sure there are many more, too.

I guess you have to take the bad with the good.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Alice, Canyon Country, CA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:09:03 GMT

I am an Arabic girl living in the US. And I am watching this soap opera.
In my point of view, the real life is so much different than the life that Mohannad and Noor are living.
Mohannad owns a company, he has a lot of money, which means he doesn't have a lot of things to think about like bringing money to the house, or is he going to be able to pay his bills at the end of the month. While most men in the Middle East are so busy trying to find jobs and provide comfortable lives for their families. For this reason they are so busy to think of romance because all what they think is giving their wives the money that they are asking for.
At the end we need to realize that this is TV not real life. We can't let TV destroy our families because the actor is handsome and romantic

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Riad, Denver, Colorado — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:06:41 GMT

I am a lebanese American and I watch Nour almost
daily with my wife and the rest of the family. This
show has no influence whatsoever on the Lebanese society because we have a more advanced lifestyle than the turks that are realy going out of their way to show how civilized and forward looking they are and that is why this show failed in Turkey. We consider this show to be a tourism advertisement and amusing in the same time. In Lebanon we have more serious and Arabic speaking (not dubbed) series that are empowering to women and they don't have the same influence on the arab world because the Arabs consider Lebanese to be Christian or with mainly Christian ideas versus the Turks who are purely Moslem and who massacared every remaining Christian in Turkey (for example the Armenians in first worl war). I would like to mention that the magnificient mosque shown in this serie was an Orthodox Christian Church "Saint Sophia" built buy the Roman Emperror Justinian in the fifth century. And Istanbul is Constantinople the Capital of the Christian Byazantine Empire till the 15th century when the Turks overran it. The wisdom from this is that the Arabs consider themselfs Moslems first and foremost they are more influenced by the Behavior of Non-Arab Moslems than by Non-Moslem Arabs.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Dacaria, FL. — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:50:22 GMT

"What I see from my female customers is that they are attracted by the love and romance and the way the man is treating the woman."

-- It makes one wonder about the conditions over there and how badly men are treating women that the women seek to find some kind of emotional gratification from a fictional character. It's about time their eyes are open to better possibilites, and if it comes in a vehicle of a soap opera, more power to them.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Thomas Jackson, Washington, DC — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:01:11 GMT

I have been fascinated by what I have read about people's reactions to this Turkish "soap" on blogs written by people from all over the world. It has made me reexamine my own role in marriage. Good for the Turks!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Straight Talk — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:09:52 GMT

This show proves at least one thing - Media can influence people, their thinking and perspective. It would be best to see more shows like this and inspire people in more ways. This is about romance and how to treat and respect women. Now how about shows that would positively counter extremist thinking in all parts of the world?

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

el oi se , seattle, wa — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:50:08 GMT

Instead of having a show about how nice this husband treats his independent wife, (which still makes it look like she can't make it without him and she still needs a man) better still would be a show that portrays a stong, independent, self-supporting single woman who does not need, relay on, or have a man in her life, all her choice. Show her having children by sperm donation, and taking care of them just fine without a man around. Or show her as a successful childless career woman. Women on the whole planet need to stop this insane, age old thinking that has been taught to them from fairy tales, that teach women that they are not a whole person without a man in thier lives, and that they must marry. Only than will there be true freedom for all women everywhere.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Corinne Chipres, Los Angeles, California — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:08:08 GMT

A message to all women of the world: Know that you are a treasure to behold. If you choose, you are the only gateway for humanity to come into this world. You are the 1st teacher, the 1st provider, and the 1st love. Embrace your power and continue to love.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

just somebody — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:17:34 GMT

Unfortunately the muslim conservative goverment agencies will squash the show. The benefit is that it will be too late as the seeds of equality will be sown. It takes time for children to grow up and make changes to society and eventually information will aloow people to choose kindness over supression. Conservative muslim governments have more to fear from their female population than sanctions can ever try to prove

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Mohammad, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:22:47 GMT

I believe that Mohanned and Noor are great examples of what life should be. I say "should be" due to the truth of the matter nobody in real life will amount to such ridiculousness. I think that the Soap Opera (as good as it is) is sending the wrong message to Saudi women.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

LA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:20:10 GMT

This Turkish soap is exactly the reason why Islam trembles in its sandles in Saudi Arabia. Likely, these imams of Saudi Arabia feel that since Mo' didn't see television back in the 7th century,nor has it been approved by the Koran, then neither should the Saudi populace see it now. In the end, I will wager that the Wahab's power is much more stronger than that joy brought to the peninsula by that Turkish couple and the show will be removed from their programs. These religious extremists believe too much joy, joy is bad, it detracts from their communion with Allah. So, to my sand-encrusted friends, enjoy Noor now, for there will be no Noor later.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

BellesTX — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:08:49 GMT

Grant - your comment "Now Turkey has done what America should have done years ago..." is precisely what gets us into hot water time after time. I doubt an American show would #1 relate to a Muslim population and that #2 It would be looked upon with mistrust coming from America. I'm glad that Turkey has been able to air the show - I just worry for how long. I hope it stays and that it is the very beginning of a different life for Arab and Muslim women. Not all are beaten and abused and I do wish that Americans would better educate themselves about what occurs there. However, a woman stands very little chance in a strict, Muslim world to ever stand up and speak out - much less dare to dream of a husband who would be so loving and romantic. Perhaps this "foolish notion" will empower women even more and eventually things will change.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

chad wichita,Ks — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:47:06 GMT

Now these are the stories that make me feel good. Every human has a desire to love and be loved, for the most part. This is exactly what needs to happen to open people up a bit. The Arab men have some competition now looks like. Hopefully they'll be pressured to treat their ladies better.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Maher, Saudi Arabia — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 06:45:01 GMT

The show's not new, Turkish people had seen it and were not happy about it, because it do no represent turkish daily life-a compltet fantacy of the writer and the characters. It is no different than American soap opera too good to be real !

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

charles carter crab orchard tn — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:16:53 GMT

wow great storey maybe the army should set up a tv broad cast station.we had radio free eroupe in the cold war and we should remeberthat less than 100 years that women didn't have the rights that women enjoy today this is the way to change their way of thinking about the western world. that we want everyone theated the same way.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Janelle, Chicago — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:18:21 GMT

I love all these comments from fellow Westerners about how this is great. While it's a wonderful thing, let's not pretend that men in America give their women flowers every day =P That's why we have soap operas too.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Anonymous — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:34:57 GMT

This article is exaggerated and tries to stretch the truth to fit with the popular but utterly false belief that Arab women are oppressed and need to be freed. Movies and Arab soap operas with independent, intelligent career women have been around for years and years. I live in Egypt where there are MORE women than in the top universities and jobs like medicine. Noor is just popular because the actors are all so good-looking. Even my American and European friends are glued to the TV every night, and they don't understand the language! Mohannad is not a rolemodel for Arab men but for ALL MEN... tell me how many American men (including those writing comments here) are as romantic and nurturing as Mohannad?!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Nancy Nyman Grand Jct MI — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:07:19 GMT

The article didn't say if this show is being broadcast in Afganistan or Pakistan. These heavily influenced taliban countries really need a different way to view life.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Jane Doe, Long Island New York — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:44:38 GMT

Perhaps our government should take a page from this book -- if you want to change a culture, education is the way. Not just conventional education but CULTURAL education as well. I don't profess to know Islam but I do think that it's intention was not to sublimate, repress and abuse women. There is very little difference between what the men of Fundamentalist Islam have been trying to do and what the men of Fundamentalist Christianity did 1200 years ago -- make the rules to serve their own agendas, claim it came from God's own divine words. Let women of all countries see that this is NOT religion, this is NOT faith, it is sick masoginistic tyranny that has no place in either a peaceful or faithful society.
Bring it on! Produce more shows that open the minds and hearts of women around the world to what should be, and in time -- it will be! If our govt is smart (which is open for debate, I suppose) then it will partner with a few liberal islamic countries like Turkey, and open production studios instead of sending our kids to fight a war that's been waging since the dawn of time.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Tony, USA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:22:35 GMT

It would be interesting to know why the show did so badly in Turkey where it is produced but so well in the Arab world.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Geist — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:00:26 GMT

This story is hilarious. I especially find it funny how a corny soap opera that was no big whoop in Turkey is like a mind-opening experience in a repressive nation like Saudi Arabia. I'm sure that's why the religious establishment condemns it (because, after all, anything that challenges the status quo is bad). The only thing innovative about this show is that they decided to dub it in Arabic. I wonder if the Saudis really watch it or if they just gawk at its very existence. The Turks must be impressed by the power of their trashy daytime television.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Leann Miller, Weatherford, TX — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:16:11 GMT

I have lived in Saudi Arabia for several years and saw how cruel and cold Saudi men can be. It is sad that a nation like Saudi Arabia has thrown away its respect and freedom for their women. They are loosing 50% of their intelligence by demeaning, abusing, controlling and neglecting the women of their country. It would be a much kinder society if their women were allowed to participate in everything from government to social issues without fear of recrimination or being seen as a token gesture. Control breeds fear and resentment. The early Roman Catholic church has shown us what trying to impose total control over the masses resulted in. There seemed to be a mindset that if we can keep them uneducated,poor and controlled we can rule the world. It is amazing what a litted education can do even when it is called a soap opera.

I say, "you go girls" to the muslim women that demand to be treated with respect, dignity, love and romance.

L. Miller, TX

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

David DePeal, Benton Harbor, Michigan — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:25:32 GMT

Isn't it ironic that television is becoming a rod of enlightenment for men and women in the Muslim world through raised levels of consciousness regarding gender equity while in the West (read USA)it has been the main vehicle driving the denigration, demeaning and objectification of women (and, in short, life in general) with the shows the likes of Jerry Springer et al?!? Perhaps it is time that we as consumers demand more of the idiot boxes we are oh-so-very-much glued to and their Madison avenue advertisements.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

david,Bryan,Tx — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:31:12 GMT

Just wait till the show is shut down and the actors (infidels) are sentenced to death. The arab world is not really big on progressive thinking. But then again I hope this shows changes some outdated mindsets.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Roger Dunn, Elk Grove, CA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:32:54 GMT

The true and most meaningful message of this new TV program is that when men and women and society in general follow the way God designed and commanded us to live we will all be happier. As men and women, whether married or not, begin to treat each other as equals and share the responsibilities in society we all will begin to see peace and reduced world conflict.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Blandina, Clifton, NJ — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:54:54 GMT

I was married to a Turk for 12 years. There was nothing romantic, tender or kind about him. He was a user of people, still is and will probably die so. Not saying that all male Turks are that way, or Arab men for that matter, but the vast majority have no respect for women, especially American women.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

frankhorton arkansas — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:10:26 GMT

i could laugh. i noticed how the woman (even in kuwait.)in the middle east are treated as less than human. so this should bring some welcome change. now why did not our people think of this? it is brillant! who would ever believe a romantic series would rock house holds in the middle east.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Michael — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:28:05 GMT

We are not here to judge other beliefs, expecially those of another culture in a land of their own, BUT this is a good way to throw ideas in the air and USUALLY humanity by nature will make the right decisions for the future...

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Res Pect, Patterson, Cali. — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:30:30 GMT

..for whatever result this show on anyone's life, i just hope that the producers gave more preference on the social and moral impacts than $$$ gain and ultimately bring awareness that the Truth gains Respect...Respect is Conscience that only differs HUMAN to a Beast.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:23:36 GMT

It is so bad to judge the people according other point of view. Why we do not try to understand Arabs and their environment through the Arab’s writings, but their enemy’s writings? Why we are holding all the time the teacher position and try to make the others similar to us, other than trying to understand them? It is clear that this article and comments reflect an (ignorant) point of view!!!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Yakubu Wanka, Baltimore, MD — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:52:56 GMT

As a Muslim, currently attending callege in the U.S, i think that people are making too much of a big deal about the show. Even here in the U.S women stll complain about how unromantic their spouses are, in the Middle East, its not like all husbands lack romance. Granted I must admit that I've never seen my parents exchange romantic sentiments, but hey, they're old-fashioned. The next generation IS going to be more romantic. And as for treating women better, We already do. People in the West tend to see that women dress modestly, covering their hair and sometimes their faces what they don't see is that while, granted they don't get all the same freedoms as men, they are RESPECTED by society in General. Even in the Koran, it is stated that women should be respected and treated fairly by their husbands. However, like I said, the show is goodbecause it'll encourage Middle Eastern men to have a little more Romance in their relationships.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

sundog — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:51:51 GMT

This is very good news indeed. It always shocks me to hear and sometimes witness the emotional unavailability in Muslim men. How lonely it must be for them as well. And the irony, is that these people produce these astounding Poets and Writers, who are enraptured with living, and love.

So maybe this will bring these cultures full circle.

Maybe Saudi Women have a long way to go in terms of civil rights, but they will get there the way all women of the world have, who have won their freedom.

One step at a time. Just keep going forward. Dont look back.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Marcos — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:00:18 GMT

Soap operas exporting freedom? I dont think so! I am of hispanic descent and if anyone wants to see what garbage is thrown to people via soap operas should tune into the major spanish speaking television stations. About 99% of their programming is soap operas. I dont disagree with people watching these but when you have beautiful blond haired women prancing around in skimpy clothing and you never show anything that will teach people about their own culture nor showcase the beauty of their nations of origin (except for the women), but even then it is a form of discrimination because they dont show copper skinned people with indigenous features doing what people of that region do! then there is something wrong with that!
A soap opera is not the best means to transmit ideals.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

AW - DFW — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 12:02:48 GMT

I am not Arab, so I can only speak from my American perspective. While I am glad this is giving the Arab women a perspective they've never had, I'm not sure this show is the end all by all for the Muslim nation. Women here in the US watch the soaps and have an idealized expectation of their men. While, in comparison to many Arab men, American men are romantic, many American men are not like that ALL THE TIME. I think soaps are a fairy tale. Fairy tales are not reality. Most men do not treat their wives this romantic, sappy, or sweet every day. My husband is a great father and husband, but he is not a character from a soap opera. He's just a regular guy with moments of romance.

I'm afraid in the long run this soap might be setting an expectation that will continually disappoint the Arab woman...like it many times disappoints in the American reality.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Sophie,toledo,OH — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:38:07 GMT

I was born and raised in Syria and got married to a man who was also born and raised there. Me and my husband decided to move to the states so i could finish my education here. My husband supported me every step of the way. I even got pregnant in my second year and my husband insisted that i continue and would help me with our child. He kept his word and now I’m a doctor. It's not fair to say all Arab men treat their women with disrespect and don't want their wives to be educated. I'm living proof that this is not the case all of the time. My husband always tells me "Islam teaches us to give equal opportunity to all genders and I’m only practicing my religion the way it should be"

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Vicki, Newport Beach, Ca. — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 17:59:58 GMT

Whether turks or arabs, it's a good show for the entire region to see. I've been to Turkey & know that the show depicts a very small, even rare family situation. Turkey as well as the world can learn something about treating each other w/ respect, love & kindness.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Dan — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:40:11 GMT

Great post. Amazing how TV can act as such a catalyst for what could essentially be revolutionary.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

David, Fort Stewart, Georgia. — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 20:08:36 GMT

As a soldier, I have been to the Middle East several times, each time I thought "Wouldn't it be great if Steven Spielberg created a movie starring Arab/Muslim actors?" It would be in Arabic with English subtitles, intended for Arabic audiences to digest. Traditional roles could be explored and upended, maybe by having family angst as daughters assert themselves, one son becomes a martyr and another rants because Islam is being taken over by fascist thugs. It could actually undermine the criminal element by showing that true Islam is peaceful, not full of hatred. The subjugation of women is mostly cultural, but radicals use it to rationalize whatever they want to do. Such a movie could be a HUGE service towards bringing people with minds stuck in the middle ages into the modern world. Good idea? Does someone know a way to tell Spielberg, because I don't. He made other movies (like Schindler's list) that opened peoples eyes and helped shape society, the media is a serious force to be reckoned with. I think he could do the world a big favor here! Help us Spielberg!!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Anonymous — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:08:32 GMT

Hopefully, the tyranical clerics in some of the Arab countries do not clamp down or censor broadcasts of NOOR and/or that women will not suffer any reprisals for their perceived changes in attitude toward men and their own female roles and status. To be sure, controversy is brewing and teeth are grinding in countries where fundamentalist Muslims (don't forget Hizbollah, Taliban, Al Quaida, Hamas) hate Western ideas, including women's rights and independence, not to mention deference to a woman by her husband. This soap opera flies in the face of all that these groups stand for and hope to achieve in the Middle East (and the world) and is great counter-propaganda against their brand of "living." Hopefully, more and more young people will be inspired to reject fundamentalist oppression and what is tantamount to hatred of women and self. Love is good for the soul, and so is freedom to love, to live, and let live. When will it finally conquer and bring peace? NOOR is a wonderful start in the right direction. May there be more and more soap operas/programs that show alternatives to discord, tyranny and hatred.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Anonymous — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:20:43 GMT

I have to admit that this show will be good for the women of the Muslim culture. They finally have a role-model to look up to, which is great. On the other hand, I am afraid the leading male character will give the women unrealistic ideas about love and marriage. Yes, there needs to be romance, and he does lead the house-hold, but to find a man who brings you flowers everyday is a hard task. I am afraid that there will be problems concerning that unrealistic man. As women, we all want "the perfect man" but quite frankly, he doesn't exist. This show will empower women to demand more rights, but it will break their hearts when they find that there is no perfect man. All they will think of doing is to go back to the ways of their mothers and grandmothers. Look at all society, we all regress when our dreams have been built upon the unachievable.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Bader, Riyadh Saudi Arabia — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:47:24 GMT

this is not 100% tru,

Many people did not watch it and they were busy with there lifes.

people in Saudi Arabia Have bigger problems to deal with like freedom of speach and so on.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Margo from Laurel, MD in USA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 01:35:13 GMT

I am annoyed because I want to see a close-up of this foxy Mohannad, and this article doesn't show it.

I don't think all Arabs are non romantic. Actually, if husbands and wives treat each other well, everyone benefits - including their kids!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

amira, colombia — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:47:15 GMT

Everybody I know watches "Noor"...I find the way they take it so far a bit naive...a bit ignorant. The fact that Muhannad is the perfect man will make no changes in other men, and the way women react to his beauty like teens, is hillarious and again, naive. People in the Arab world have reacted the same way to other soap operas, especially Mexican ones...It's funny you may think a soap opera will make an evoluntionary change...There's no need for one to inspire changes...There are huge changes in the arab world and much more educated self-dependant women, but the west refuses to see this side...You just focus on the ugly one.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Corral Benkhalek — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:00:54 GMT

Wow! It is good to be liberated, but who said it has to be westernized? We still have a ways to go ourselves in the humanitarian arena, especially when it gets to colorism.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Texas — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:17:43 GMT

Um, isn't Turkey the country that puts women in jail for expression their personal choice of wearing a scarf? Even Women politicians were put out of office when it took effect and women who wear a scarf are not permitted to attend university or higher education? And if you actually talk to some of those guys from Al Azhar they don't watch tv because they are looking after their kids and wife and communicating with them. I guess a lot of anti Islam propaganda reinforcing false stereotypes wins again. It helps the US to pat itself on the back when people feel paternalistic societies impeding women from making choices about their lives are somehow liberating women. Do you all know about how the Prophet Mohammad used to hold his wife Aisha in public as long as she requested, and she would do so just on a whim so that everyone would see that he loved her. And he also loved his wife Khadeejah so much (his first wife prior to marrying any other woman), that he would provide for her family and send them food and gifts long after her death. It seems to me Western women are taking deep breaths, dreaming about the strong, provider Arab man that they cannot find in the so liberated US that allows men to shirk their responsibilties to provide for wife and/or children. When will American women be liberated?

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Nosa, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:07:00 GMT

for God's sake.. this is a TV show.... it's not real.
I'm a Saudi girl.. i don't watch Noor and i feel it's so silly and i can't waste my time watching such a thing.

And BYW arab men are not that bad. bad men are everywhere.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Voice of Reason — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:12:57 GMT

While it is admirable that "Noor" is effecting grassroots cultural change, let's not lose sight of the fact that American men are not universally the models of romance and spousal cheerleading that "Mohannad" represents. Perhaps we could all take something positive from this happy couple.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

George — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:08:09 GMT

It's interesting on these moderated blogs, that only the comments which are in line with the politics of the moderator appear.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

ghadeer hesham,cairo,egypt — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:22:59 GMT

omg!!!! this thing is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay exaggerating i cant believe the world sees arabs as tenth century peasants!!! i mean im egyptian and women are independent here and they mostly have the leading jobs and it just look at the schools who gets all the high grades??THE GIRLS!! and therea re alot of nice marriages and women are not treated like cattle!!! and u can get divorced whenever u like its all normal stuff! this article really saddens me and shows me how the world sees us.have any of you ever been to riyadh and seen all the cars and the malls and the villas and the stores???have u been to beirut??? dubai??cairo???? i think u should really come and see for your self. the only reason arbs have liked this show is not because the way he treats his wife but because of his good looks.really!!! arabs were tired of their own shows and were tired of seeing the same old story it was nice to see smbdy else's problems instead of their own a differnt story line and a different love story. thats all that is to it. and by the way it is real cheesy but not that bad.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

esra — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:30:12 GMT

Riad denver , how biased you are i cant believe, this series in turkey did not find much audience bec. it was outdated to our society, i cant imagine that lebanese have more advanced life, and no one believes it im sure..about ermenian geocide,why do you think ermenians never accept to look at the documents when offered them to prove if theres genoc. or not?? how sided you are..and also we wont forget how arabs stabbed us behind during world war..

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Oktay K, Vancouver Canada — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:04:07 GMT

re: Riad's message, "The the Lebanese have a far more advanced lifestyle than the Turks.." Says who? By every human development factor from literacy, to per capita income, to trade, to contact and integration with the West, from women's participation in politics and in professionals careers, to social liberalism and from the rule of law, not to mention the comparative peace, the arts, media and industry, the Turks have the Lebanese lifestyle beat--hands down.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Northern Michigan mom — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:10:47 GMT

Pretty obvious that it is better to come in the back door and make the change from within...

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Jane — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:29:23 GMT

Amazing that we think that soap operas have some sort of moral value and speak to the value of women. I think I remember that soaps about manipulation between both genders for the purpose of sex, power and money. Extamarital affairs galore, overdressed and rich women or busybody medical staffers. It is all the same and I cannot think it would prove to be a model for any cultural benefit.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

melissa stopyra — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:29:19 GMT

love and marriage is a holy gift. anyone who can understand the energy between thenselves and our heavenly father is on the path to enlightenment.
I pray for all the people in the middle east.I sincerly hope they all find light and love in their precious hearts and minds.even if its just watching tv together as a family!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Uzair, winnipeg, manitiba, canada — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:10:55 GMT

what people dont realize is that TV peograms can teach us good thing but in general they have negetive effect on viewers. You can't have romance all the time. there is a difference between being loved and taken care of and romance.And turkey is no longer concidered to be muslim state any more by many because of its laws. i am prettey sure that women will have better rights in arab if islam allowed to take effect.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Shams, Seattle, Wash. — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:23:22 GMT

im in Cairo rigth now, and this soap is amazing,..we all want what noor has..a loving husband, and family, stability, independence, noor has all of these thing, and on top of that, a good looking husband 2 boot...

but i doubt that anything will come of this..women may want a man like mohanned, but in the end, we always settle 4 wats in front of us!!

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

maxine turner — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:02:39 GMT

Those are high hopes for the women in the Middle East.
Ain't gonna happen. My mother was president of her college class, beautiful, sought after--and the Saturday after they were married, her husband dressed up and went to town, leaving her to draw the water, heat it in a large black iron pot, then wash, dry, starch and iron the shirts.So much for romance--but I married my sexy genius. Very soon he proclaimed, "I will keep you barefoot and pregnant and you will never work another day in your life--
as a college prof.

Soap opera upends traditional Arab gender roles

Nichole, Tempe, AZ — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:32:31 GMT

I'm disgusted that the majority of people on here are so keen to import "western ideals" to the Muslim world and to think that the women would be better off if they had lives identical to their western counterparts. Is this your idea of a good family:

About 40 percent of the kids living in fatherless homes haven't seen their dads in a year or more. Of the rest, only one in five sleeps even one night a month at the father's home. And only one in six sees their father once or more per week.
Source: F. Furstenberg, A. Cherlin, Divided Families. Harvard Univ. Press. 1991.

According to a 1992 Gallup poll, more than 50 percent of all adults agreed that fathers today spend less time with their kids than their fathers did with them.
Source: Gallup national random sample conducted for the National Center for Fathering, April 1992.

With the immoral nature of society in the west all you've gained is more broken homes and plenty of dissatisfied women (women here spend much more time watching these kinds of shows and reading trashy romance novels.)

Keep the "liberal" culture to yourself.

~An American Muslim